I am going to start my resume just as soon as....

It seems like every time I sit down vowing to work on my resume, something always happens to get me off task and before I realize it, hours have passed and still no work has been done. I try to get started, then I think that I really should check my email first. Invariably in my inbox there is an email from Facebook letting me know that one of my friends wrote on my wall, so of course I have to go check that out. Then I need to check Twitter, because you never know what may be going on. After that, it is definitely time for a cup of coffee, just to keep my energy up. Once I am back at my desk with the coffee, I try to look at my resume, but by then there are 5 new messages in my inbox. The cycle begins again.

Trying to kick the procrastination bug is really, really hard. Looking for guidance, I consulted the How-To Gods over at EHow. According to Ehow, the best ways to stay on task are-

• Break up a large project into several small steps- For me, this would mean I can't look at my Facebook until I have at least finished updating my personal information and current employment information.
• Set deadlines for completion- Since I want to get it done today, going with the first tip, I can make small time deadlines for getting each portion done.
• Eliminate distractions- This is the hardest part for me. Since I use my laptop to work on my resume, it is way too easy to end up on Facebook or finding wonderful pictures of cats to laugh at instead of getting to work. For me, I think the best idea is turning off the network card so that while I am working, I am not able to access the internet.
• Start with the easiest aspect of a large, complex project- I have a problem with this tip. If I do the easiest part, I will forever put off doing the harder part. It seems to work better for me if I just jump in a get started doing something.

So if you are in the same position as me, know that you aren't alone. The hardest part is getting started, so just start working and if you reward yourself along the way, you will find that it is much easier to just do it rather than putting it off and then beating yourself up over it.
I found this great cartoon over at 9gag that perfectly illustrates the problem.

So good luck and just do it!

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a freelance writer and regular contributor to several websites and other publications, a volunteer, a full time mom and an active job seeker.